CDBites

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Dawn Richard, “Goldenheart” (Altavoz Distribution)

As a member of Diddy-Dirty Money and Danity Kane, Dawn Richard was impressive. As a solo artist, she’s extraordinary.

Her solo debut, “Goldenheart,” is an R&B field day of progressive, electronic and smooth sounds that play like one amazing musical adventure. Her unique voice — which echoes Brandy — glides over each song like magic as she sings about heartache and breaking through in the music industry (check out “Return of a Queen.”) And Richard, who co-wrote the 16-track independent release, doesn’t skip a beat.

“Pretty Wicked Things” is spooky and eerie — in a good way. “Northern Lights” is addictive, while “Tug of War” and “Frequency” are certified Quiet Storm anthems.

“Goldenheart” isn’t just golden, it’s grand.

— Mesfin Fekadu, AP Music Writer

Jessie Ware, “If You’re Never Gonna Move EP,” (Interscope/Cherrytree)

Though she was first heard singing vocals for U.K. acts like Joker and SBTRKT, South Londoner Jessie Ware strikes out on her own — providing a much-needed injection into the British music scene and giving Emeli Sande some breathing space.

Ware’s U.S. debut EP, “If You’re Never Gonna Move,” is a collection of sophisticated nu-soul tunes, intelligent beats and blissful, soothing Sade-esque vocals. Relationships and lust are central themes, and the delivery is heartfelt, soulful and unobtrusive.

The title track is a melodic dream about chasing love and “Devotion” is a downtempo love letter. And “Sweet Talk,” a 1980s-laced groove, is a pop gem, much like Ware herself.

“Devotion,” her Mercury Prize-nominated U.K. full-length debut album, will be released April 2 in America. Can’t wait.